How dermatologic research can get its groove back

The skin is the largest organ in the human body, and that’s not all. It’s exposed to sunlight and countless other hazards from bacteria to bug bites, and when things go wrong the consequences can be fatal.

Despite these facts, the world of medical research devotes fairly little attention to dermatology. And dermatologists themselves tend to avoid careers in research.

“A very small proportion of the entire population of dermatologists are doing laboratory research. Below 10%, maybe 5%,” says Barbara A. Gilchrest, M.D., of the department of dermatology at Massachusetts General Hospital. “That’s a small fraction compared to other fields like neurology or internal medicine in general.”

Now, the dermatology research gap is getting more attention.

“Unfortunately, today’s financially austere research climate presents unprecedented regulatory and funding threats to both junior and senior researchers,” the authors wrote. “To continue to conduct high-quality research that advances patient care, the field of dermatology must identify the dermatologic researchers of tomorrow and prepare them to tackle the challenges that lay ahead.”

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